Florida E-Bike Crash Critically Injures Perry Man: Could Faulty Design Be to Blame?

A Perry man is in critical condition following a serious electric bicycle crash on Sunday evening, July 20, 2025, that raises questions about the safety of e-bike components and the potential for product liability claims.

According to a report from the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the accident occurred just before 7:15 p.m. on McDaniel Road, south of Audrey Johnson Road in Taylor County. The man was riding an electric bicycle when a mechanical failure caused a violent crash:

• The chain on the front sprocket dislodged, wrapping around the pedal.
• This mechanical failure caused the rear tire to lock up, resulting in the rider losing control of the bicycle.
• The e-bike veered off the travel lane into a ditch, where it overturned, ejecting the rider.
• Both the bicycle and the man came to rest in the ditch; he sustained critical injuries.

Emergency crews from the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, Perry Fire Department, and Century EMS assisted FHP on the scene.

Electric bicycles are becoming increasingly popular across Florida for their convenience and environmental benefits. However, they also present unique mechanical risks due to:

• Higher speeds and heavier frames than traditional bicycles
• Complex electrical components and drivetrain systems
• The potential for sudden failure of critical parts, including brakes, motors, and chains

When high-performance components like sprockets and chains fail mid-ride, particularly on a powered bike, the consequences can be catastrophic.

Could This Be a Case of Product Liability?

Yes, this incident may involve product liability, particularly if a defective part or poor design contributed to the crash. Manufacturers and sellers of electric bicycles have a legal duty to ensure their products are safe for normal use. If the chain detachment and subsequent wheel lock were caused by:

• A manufacturing defect
• A design flaw (e.g., inadequate tensioning or chain retention systems)
• Improper assembly or materials
• Lack of adequate safety instructions or warnings

Then the injured rider or their family may have grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer of the e-bike.

What You Can Do After an E-Bike Accident

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an electric bicycle accident, especially one involving a possible mechanical failure, here’s what you should do:

1. Preserve the evidence: Keep the e-bike and all damaged components. Do not repair or discard anything.
2. Document the scene and injuries: Photos, witness statements, and medical records are crucial.
3. Seek immediate medical treatment: Some injuries may not show symptoms right away.
4. Contact an attorney experienced in product liability law: A lawyer can investigate whether the manufacturer or seller may be responsible.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm, we are committed to holding manufacturers accountable when defective products cause harm. If you or a loved one was injured in an electric bicycle accident, call us today for a free consultation. We’ll review the facts, preserve critical evidence, and determine whether you have a valid claim against the manufacturer or seller.